Pin it A festive, aromatic Italian bread with a golden crust and a soft, pillowy interior, topped with fragrant rosemary sprigs and sea salt perfect for holiday gatherings.
I enjoy making this bread every holiday season it fills my kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma and brings family and friends together around the table.
Ingredients
- Dough: 500 g (4 cups) bread flour, 350 ml (1½ cups) warm water (about 40°C/105°F), 10 g (2 tsp) fine sea salt, 7 g (2¼ tsp) instant dry yeast, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Topping: 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh rosemary sprigs, 1½ tsp flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt.
- Step 2:
- In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Step 3:
- Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- Step 4:
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 5:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Step 6:
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 7:
- Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Stretch and pat into a rectangle (about 30 x 20 cm).
- Step 8:
- Use your fingertips to dimple the surface deeply. Drizzle evenly with olive oil, and scatter rosemary sprigs and flaky sea salt on top.
- Step 9:
- Cover loosely and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Step 10:
- Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until deep golden brown and crisp on top.
- Step 11:
- Cool slightly, slice, and serve warm.
Pin it Making this bread has become a holiday tradition in my family, creating lasting memories as we gather to break bread and share stories.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, wooden spoon, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheet, parchment paper, kitchen towel
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten). May contain traces of sesame or nuts if processed in facilities handling these allergens. Check yeast and flour labels for cross-contamination if sensitive.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 220, Total Fat 7 g, Carbohydrates 34 g, Protein 5 g
Pin it This holiday focaccia is a delightful addition to any festive meal sure to impress and satisfy.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve a soft interior with a crisp crust?
Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then allow it to rise twice. Baking at a high temperature helps develop a crisp, golden crust while the inside remains soft.
- → Can I customize the toppings?
Yes, adding halved cherry tomatoes or thinly sliced olives before baking provides extra flavor and color alongside the rosemary.
- → What is the purpose of dimpling the dough?
Dimpling the surface helps retain olive oil and toppings, creating textured pockets that enhance aroma and taste.
- → How long should the dough rise?
Let the dough rise for about 1 hour until doubled in size, and then a second rise of 30 minutes after shaping and adding toppings.
- → Is this bread suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this bread contains vegetarian-friendly ingredients like flour, yeast, olive oil, and rosemary.